Projection night-light toy

ABSTRACT

A stuffed toy has a main body, including an interior cavity, for accepting a projection night-light therein. The night-light includes a light box housing having an integrally coupled concave grated top cover, which includes a plurality of openings and a sensor button. The night-light includes an exterior casing and top and bottom brackets for accepting the light box housing therein and securing the night-light within the interior cavity of the toy. An illumination source, including at least one LED, is housed within the housing underneath the grated top cover. A power source and circuit means are arranged within the housing to actuate and deactivate the LED.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/521,555 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 9, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to toys and more particularly to a stuffed toy having a removably coupled night-light which projects an image or design on a ceiling, wall or other like surface by allowing light beams to pass through a specially designed grated cover.

2. Description of the Related Art

People of all ages appreciate the ability to create a pleasant ambiance for bedtime. Night-lights have long been around to create the mood through illumination in a dark room. In addition, parents especially appreciate night-lights, which help their children to fall asleep peacefully in a dark bedroom, as many children have fears of the dark. It is also generally known that most children enjoy a bedtime ritual with a favorite plush toy cuddled at their side. The combination of a night-light within a plush toy is an ideal combination for children.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,142,846, 6,165,037, 5,114,376 and United States patent Application Publications 2011/0090470, 2009/0264043 and 2005/0197041 disclose various light and sound mechanisms for use with toys, however none disclose the use of a removable mechanism adapted for use within a plush toy for projecting unique color and light displays.

While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.

The present invention utilizes a toy in order to project a light image or design onto the ceiling or walls, depicting stars or unicorns for example, in a variety of different colors, which create a pleasant atmosphere in a dark room and aid in fostering an environment for children to fall asleep peacefully.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a toy having a removable projection night-light.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a projection night-light toy capable of coupling within any plush toy.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a projection night-light toy having an interchangeable grated cover with openings for projecting light images and designs onto a predetermined ceiling or wall.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a projection night-light toy having a sequence of alternating colored lights for continual projection of an image or design in different colors onto the ceiling or walls.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a projection night-light toy having a timing means for automatically turning the night-light off after a predetermined amount of time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a plush toy is provided with an integrated projection night-light.

The toy has a main body having an interior cavity adapted to accept the night-light therein.

The night-light includes a light box housing for housing the electrical components necessary to actuate and power the night-light. The night-light housing includes an integrally coupled concave grated top cover, which has a plurality of openings for projecting an image onto a surface. The grated top cover is adapted to cover the interior cavity.

The night-light has an exterior casing adapted to fit within the interior cavity of the plush toy and accept the light box housing therein.

The night-light includes top and bottom brackets, that together with the exterior casing, accepting the light box housing therein and secure the night-light within interior cavity of the toy.

The housing includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) as an illumination source for providing light beams through the grated top cover.

The night-light includes a power source, circuit means, and sensor button for actuating the LED(s) to project light sequences, timing, color, and illumination through the grated top cover and onto a desired ceiling or surface.

The toy includes a sensor means having a sensor button housed within the grated top cover of the housing, which is in electrical contact with the power source.

The toy includes a printed circuit board housed within the light box housing and is in electrical communication with at least one LED and the power source.

The circuit means includes an integrated circuit having a timing means for providing a predetermined pattern of illumination and functionality to the LED(s) and in electrical communication with the LED(s) and the power source.

The toy further includes a switch in electrical communication with the integrated circuit and power source, for allowing the sensor button to manually or automatically advances through a predetermined light sequence, and turn off the LED(s) after a predetermined amount of time.

The power source is selected from the group consisting of batteries, an adapter, a transformer, wires with a plug to an outlet, USB power, an adapter with jack, and any other direct current power source or energy source device.

The openings of the grated top cover include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: stars, moons, a galaxy, planets, solar systems, space ships, and a unicorn.

The night-light includes three LEDs, including a yellow LED, blue LED and green LED.

The main body of the toy is a plush toy.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a toy is provided that has a main body including a bottom and top surface, a substantially rectangular interior cavity that extends from the bottom to the top surface. The toy includes a substantially rectangular light box housing that has an integrally coupled concave grated top cover including a plurality of openings. The openings project an image onto a surface and the cover is adapted to cover the interior cavity of the main body of the toy. An exterior casing is adapted to fit within the interior cavity and accept the light box housing therein. Top and bottom brackets secure the exterior casing within the interior cavity. At least one LED acts as an illumination source retained within the light box housing underneath the grated top cover for providing light beams therethrough. A sensor button is retained within the grated top cover for turning on the LED(s), and manually or automatically advancing through a predetermined light sequence, and turning off the LED(s) after a predetermined amount of time. A printed circuit board is housed within the light box housing and in electrical communication with the LED(s). An integrated circuit having a timing means, activated by the sensor button, automatically causes the exhibition of a predetermined pattern of light functions, timing, color, and illumination, while automatically turning off the LED(s) after a predetermined amount of time. A power source in the light box housing is in electrical contact with the LED(s), printed circuit board, and integrated circuit, wherein the power source is operatively connected to illuminate the LED(s).

The night-light includes three LEDs, and specifically, a yellow LED, blue ZED and green LED.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a projection night-light is provided including a plush toy having a main body including a bottom and top surface, and a substantially rectangular interior cavity extending from the bottom surface to the top surface of the main body. A substantially rectangular light box housing has an integrally coupled concave grated top cover including a plurality of openings, including a plurality of stars, a moon and a unicorn, for projecting these images onto a surface. The cover is adapted to cover the interior cavity. An exterior casing is adapted to fit within the interior cavity and accept the light box housing securely therein. Top and bottom brackets secure the exterior casing within the interior cavity. At least three LEDs act as an illumination source, including a yellow LED, blue LED and green LED, retained within the light box housing underneath the grated top cover for providing colored light beams through the grated top cover. A sensor button is retained within the grated top cover for turning on the LEDs, and manually or automatically advancing through a predetermined light sequence, and turning off the three LEDs after a predetermined amount of time. A printed circuit board is housed within the light box housing and in electrical communication with the LEDs. An integrated circuit has a timing means, which is activated by the sensor button, for automatically exhibiting light functions, timing, color, and illumination, while automatically turning off the LEDs after a predetermined amount of time. A power source in the light box housing is in electrical contact with the LEDs, printed circuit board, and integrated circuit, wherein the power source is operatively connected to illuminate the LEDs. A switch is in electrical communication with the integrated circuit and power source for allowing the sensor button to manually or automatically advance through a predetermined light sequence, and turn off the LEDs after a predetermined amount of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, the present invention related to a toy having a projection night-light as described in detail in the following specification and recited in the annexed claims, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a plush toy of the present invention including a centrally positioned projection night-light contained within an interior cavity of the toy;

FIG. 2 is a bottom rear elevational view of the plush toy of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the light box housing, together with the exterior casing, top and bottom brackets of the toy of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross sectional view of the light box housing of the present invention taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an interior top plan view of the light box housing of the present invention illustrating the general position of electrical components, which control the LEDs of the projection night-light of the toy of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an electrical diagram of the electrical circuitry of the printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIGS. 1 through 6, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a toy 10 having a removably coupled night-light 20. The night-light 20 includes vast improvements over prior art night-lights by adding projection features with light emitting diodes (LEDs), thereby utilizing optic technology to display a unique image or design on a wall, ceiling or other pre-determined surface.

As is best appreciated from FIGS. 1 and 2, the night-light 20 is removably housed within the stuffed plush toy 10. The toy 10 includes a main body 12, including a substantially rectangular interior cavity 14, centrally positioned within the toy and created from the removal of plush stuffing, which preferably extends throughout the main body 12 from a top surface 12A to a bottom surface 12B. Both the top and bottom surfaces 12A, 12B of the main body 12 of the toy include an interior rectangular edge 12C, 12D which define the perimeter of the interior cavity 14. In one embodiment, a fold-over flap 16 is coupled to the bottom surface 12B of the toy 10 and includes a hook and loop fastener 16A for removably covering the interior cavity 14 along the bottom surface 12B of the toy 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, the night-light 20 includes a substantially rectangular light box housing 22 having an integrally coupled grated top cover 24. The housing, preferably made of plastic, is substantially rectangular and includes a top end 22A, a bottom end 22B and an interior cavity 22C. The grated top cover 24 has a perimeter 26, which overhangs the top end 22A of the housing 22. The grated top cover 24 is concave and preferably plastic and includes a plurality of openings 28 of desired shapes and designs, including a moon 28A, stars 28B, and unicorn 28C. Each opening and shape is designed to allow light to pass therethrough from the LED(s) and project a clear design or shape on the ceiling or wall. A variety of other shapes and designs are contemplated herein, as is the use of interchangeable covers, and the use of specific designs within the preferred embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and not to be limited or narrowly construed.

The night-light 20 is further comprised of an exterior casing 30, a top bracket 40, and a bottom bracket 42, all preferably made of plastic, which secure the light box housing 22 of the present invention within the interior cavity 14 of the toy 10. The exterior casing 30 is a substantially rectangular cage, having an open top end 30A and an open bottom end 30B. The open top end 30A defines a top rim 30C, while the open bottom end 30C defines a bottom edge 30D and together are specially designed to accept the light box housing 22 therein. The housing 22 is securable to the casing 30 by means of a screw 32 and preferably snaps 36. At least one, preferably four snap receiving receptacles 38 are positionable within the interior cavity 22C of the housing 22 near the top end 22A for accepting the snaps 36 of the casing 30. However, other like fastening means is contemplated and interchangeable.

The casing 30 is positionable within the interior cavity 14 of the toy 10 and secured by means of the brackets 40, 42. In particular, once the casing is positioned within the cavity 14, the bottom bracket 42 is positioned adjacent the bottom surface 12B of the toy 10 and couples to the bottom edge 30D of the exterior casing 30, by screws 32A or other like fastening means. Thus, the rectangular edge 120 of the bottom surface 12B of the plush toy 10 is sandwiched between the bottom bracket 42 and the bottom edge 30D of the casing 30. Similarly, the top bracket 40 is positioned adjacent the top surface 12A of the toy 10 and couples to the top rim 30C of the exterior casing 30 by screws 322 or other like fastening means. Thus, the rectangular edge 12C of the top surface 12A of the toy 10 is sandwiched between the top bracket 40 and the top rim 30C of the casing 30. Preferably, screws 32 are accepted through predefined holes 34 in the top and bottom brackets 40, 42 and secure within predetermined recesses 35 in the exterior casing 30. In addition, a pair of side clips 40A of the top bracket 40 integrally fastens underneath the top edge 30C of the casing 30, within corresponding and predefined clip receiving recesses 30E, for further securing the casing 30 within the interior cavity 14.

After the casing 30 is secured within the interior cavity 14 of the toy 10, the light box housing 22 is accepted and secured within the casing 30. Specifically, the bottom end 22B of the housing 22 is accepted through the casing 30 and snaps into positioned within the open bottom end 30B, by snapping means 36, 38. In particular, the snaps 36 of the casing 30 are accepted within the snap receptacles 38 of the housing 22. The design allows a user access to the bottom end 22B of the housing 22 through the fold-over flap 16 along the bottom surface 12B of the toy 10. The grated top cover 24 extends over the entire housing 22 and casing 30 such that the perimeter 26 overhangs and hides the top bracket 40 from view.

To remove the housing 22 from the casing 30, a user pushes upwardly on the bottom end 22B of the housing 22 and unsnaps the snaps 36 of the casing 30 from the receptacles 38 of the housing, thereby releasing the housing 30 and integrated grated top cover 24 from the casing 30.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light-box housing 22, houses the projection components, accessories, electrical circuitry and power source required for projecting an image or design onto the ceiling or wall. The projection components include light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on a circuit board. Generally, at least one light emitting diode 50 is present, but as illustrated in the preferred embodiment, three LEDs 50 are desired. Specifically, one yellow LED 50A, one blue LED 50B, and one green LED 50C are present. However, other colors are contemplated herein. In the projection night-light 20, the LEDs 50 are connected with circuitry means such as, for example, the printed circuit board 60, a sensor button 62, conductive means 64, AC jack 66, and integrated circuit 70. In addition, the integrated circuit 70 includes a timing means and a timing switch 72 to provide desired light functions and effects.

The interior cavity 22C of the housing 22 includes the printed circuit board (PCB) 60 which is secured therein by screws 68 which are screwed therein through corresponding screw holes 60A. The grated top cover 24 includes the metal sensor button 62 in electrical contact with the power source. The sensor button 62 is in communication via means of conductive wires 64, with the PCB 60. The PCB 60 includes at least one, preferably three, apertures 603 about which is formed conductive sockets 60C for holding the LEDs 50 therein.

Positionable underneath the PCB 30 is a battery holder compartment 80, preferable for supplying voltage to the night-light 20 of approximately 4.5 volts utilizing a DC power source. Different power source compartments and configurations are contemplated, including an arrangement that supplies different voltages. In addition, alternative power sources are contemplated herein which include, but are not limited to, solar power, wind power, chemical power, alternative DC power sources, rechargeable batteries, AC adapters with jack and power, or alkaline batteries. The compartment 80 includes spacers 82 for holding one or more batteries as necessary. A fastening door 84 provides closure for the battery holder compartment 80, and is preferably locked in position by a screw 86.

While a child can manually illuminate and darken the LEDs 50 by depressing the sensor button 62, the toy 10 is preferably provided with a timing means within the integrated circuit 70, actuated by the timing switch 72, for automatically de-energizing the LEDs 50 after a predetermined amount of time. Adjacent the battery holder compartment 80 is the timer switch 72. The switch 82 has two positions, the on position 72A for turning the circuit function on, and an off position 72B for turning the circuit function off.

The circuitry of the PCB 60 is further illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6. The circuit preferably includes, but is not limited to, a combination of the following electric components including the sensor button 62, conductive wires 64, PCB 60, integrated circuit 70, and other electric components selected from those conventionally available, which work in connection to allow a child to push the sensor button 62 and automatically actuate the projection night-light 20. These electric components are particularly arranged to allow the LEDs 50 to project desired light designs, shapes and sequences onto the ceiling or wall.

The integrated circuit (IC) 70, preferably an IC chip, is utilized for the ability to provide a plurality of functionality selected from those available light functions, but improved to include otherwise unique child-like projection design functions. In particular, the integrated circuit 70 includes the timing means in communication with the timing switch 72. When the switch 72 is in the on position 72A, the timing means of the integrated circuit 70 is actuated, and when a child depresses the sensor button 70, the circuit will continue to power the LEDs 50 according to predetermined sequences for a predetermined amount of time before automatically turning the LEDs 50 off. When the switch 72 is in the off position 72B, the timing means of the integrated circuit is interrupted, and the sensor button 62 manually controls illuminating of the LEDs 50, rotating through illumination of the LEDs 50, before turning all the LEDs 50 off.

The PCB 60 and IC 70 generally function after the sensor button 62 is depressed, by immediately and automatically turning on one of the LEDs 50. Preferably, when the switch is in the off position 72B, manual functionality is engaged, and thus when the sensor button 62 is depressed for the first time the yellow LED 50A illuminates and remains illuminated. If the sensor button 62 is depressed again, the yellow LED 50A turns off, and simultaneously, the blue LED 50B is turned on. If the sensor button 50 is depressed for a third time, the blue LED 50B is turned off, and simultaneously, the green LED 50C is turned on. If the sensor button 50 is depressed for a fourth time, the green LED 50C will turn off and all lights will remain off.

When the switch 72 is in the on position 72A, and a child activates the sensor button 62, the yellow LED 50A automatically illuminates. A rotating sequence then automatically follows for a predetermined amount of time, after which the circuit will automatically turn off all the LEDs 50. The automatic sequence includes rotating between illuminating yellow LED, blue LED and green LED light, pausing at each color for a period of approximately 8 seconds, before fading the light and changing to the next color in sequence. The rotation continues until the time stops. The timing means of the integrated circuit 70 may be set for a period of 20 minutes, longer or shorter, depending on the desired needs of the child. Preferably, the child will actuate the sensor button 62, which will illuminate light in the above-mentioned sequence, and project the design or shapes on the ceiling or wall until the child falls asleep. After which, the circuit 70 and LEDs 50 will automatically turn off. Should the child depress the sensor button 62 again while the timing switch 72 is in the on position 72A, the timing means of the IC 70 will interrupt and thus the rotating sequence will automatically stop and manual functionality will resume, wherein the yellow LED 50A will illuminate and stay illuminated indefinitely. As discussed above, if the sensor button 62 is depressed again, the yellow LED 50A turns off, and simultaneously, the blue LED 50B is turned on. If the sensor button 62 is depressed yet again, the blue LED 50B is turned off, and simultaneously, the green LED 50C is turned on. If the sensor button 62 is depressed yet again, the green LED 50C will turn off and all LEDs 50 will remain off.

Referring to FIG. 6, the sensor button 62 is in communication with the batteries 88 within the battery holder compartment 80, as well as being connected through a diode 92A, to a zener diode 92B, then through capacitors 94A and a resistor 96A to the integrated circuit 70. In addition, conductive wires 64 also connect the batteries 88 through additional diodes 92C and resistors 963 to the integrated circuit 70, which in turn, is connected to the LEDs 50 and the ground 100. The integrated circuit 70 is in connection with the sensor button 62 and switch 72 for actuating functionality of the night-light 20 including sequencing of light beams, and timing means. While this is the preferred electrical diagram, other equivalent diagrams, connects, and functions are contemplated and included as variations herewith.

In conclusion, herein is presented a projection night-light coupled within a plush toy. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention. While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it is obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto. It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A toy having a main body including a top and bottom surface, comprising: a substantially rectangular interior cavity extending from said top surface to said bottom surface of said main body; a substantially rectangular light box housing having an integrally coupled concave grated top cover including a plurality of openings for projecting an image onto a surface, wherein said cover adapted to cover said interior cavity; an exterior casing adapted to fit within said interior cavity and accept said light box housing securely therein; a top and bottom bracket securing said exterior casing within said interior cavity; at least one LED as an illumination source retained within said light box housing underneath said grated top cover for providing light beams through said grated top cover; and at least one power source, circuit means, and sensor means arranged to actuate said at least one LED to project light sequences, timing, color, and illumination through said grated top cover and onto said surface.
 2. The toy of claim 1, wherein the sensor means includes a sensor button housed within the grated top cover of the housing and in electrical contact with the power source.
 3. The toy of claim 1, wherein a printed circuit board is housed within the light box housing and is in electrical communication with the at least one LED and the power source.
 4. The toy of claim 2, wherein the circuit means includes an integrated circuit having a timing means for providing a predetermined pattern of illumination and functionality by the at least one LED and in electrical communication with the at least one LED and the power source.
 5. The toy of claim 4, further comprising a switch in electrical communication with said integrated circuit and said power source for allowing said sensor button to manually or automatically advance through a predetermined light sequence, and turn off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time.
 6. The toy of claim 1, wherein said power source is selected from the group consisting of batteries, an adapter, a transformer, electric wires with a plug to an outlet, USB power, or an adapter with jack.
 7. The toy of claim 1, wherein the openings of the grated top cover are selected from the group consisting of stars, moons, galaxies, planets, solar systems, space ships, and unicorns.
 8. The toy of claim 1, wherein the at least one LED, includes three LEDs, including a yellow LED, blue LED and green LED.
 9. The toy of claim 1, wherein said main body comprises a plush toy.
 10. A plush toy having a main body including a top and bottom surface, comprising: a substantially rectangular interior cavity extending from said top surface to said bottom surface of said main body; a substantially rectangular light box housing having an integrally coupled concave grated top cover including a plurality of openings for projecting an image onto a surface, wherein said cover adapted to cover said interior cavity; an exterior casing adapted to fit within said interior cavity and accept said light box housing securely therein; a top and bottom bracket secure said exterior casing within said interior cavity; at least one LED as an illumination source retained within said light box housing underneath said grated top cover for providing light beams through said grated top cover; a sensor button retained within said grated top cover for turning on said at least one LED, and manually or automatically advancing through a predetermined light sequence, and turning off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time; a printed circuit board housed within said light box housing and in electrical communication with the said at least one LED; an integrated circuit having a timing means to be activated by said sensor button for automatically exhibiting a predetermined pattern of light functions, timing, color, and illumination, while automatically turning off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time; a power source in said light box housing in electrical contact with said at least one LED, said printed circuit board, and said integrated circuit, wherein said power source being operatively connected to illuminate said at least one LED; and a switch in electrical communication with said printed circuit board, said integrated circuit and said power source for allowing said sensor button to manually or automatically advance through a predetermined light sequence, and turn off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time.
 11. The toy of claim 10, wherein the power source is selected from the group consisting of batteries, an adapter, a transformer, electric wires with a plug to an outlet, USB power, or an adapter with jack.
 12. The toy of claim 10, wherein the openings of the grated top cover are selected from the group consisting of stars, moons, galaxies, planets, solar systems, space ships, and unicorns.
 13. The toy of claim 10, wherein the at least one LED, includes three LEDs, including a yellow LED, blue LED and green LED.
 14. A projection night-light, comprising: a plush toy having a main body including a top and bottom surface, and a substantially rectangular interior cavity extending from said top surface to said bottom surface of said main body; a substantially rectangular light box housing having an interchangeable concave grated top cover including a plurality of openings, including a plurality of stars, a moon and a unicorn, for projecting an image onto a surface, wherein said cover adapted to cover said interior cavity; an exterior casing adapted to fit within said interior cavity and accept said light box housing securely therein; a top and bottom bracket secure said exterior casing within said interior cavity; at least three LED as an illumination source, including a yellow LED, blue LED and green LED, retained within said light box housing underneath said grated top cover for providing colored light beams through said grated top cover; a sensor button retained within said grated top cover for turning on said at least one LED, and manually or automatically advancing through a predetermined light sequence, and turning off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time; a printed circuit board housed within said light box housing and in electrical communication with the said at least one LED; an integrated circuit having a timing means to be activated by said sensor button for automatically exhibiting light functions, timing, color, and illumination, while automatically turning off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time; a power source in said light box housing in electrical contact with said at least one LED, said printed circuit board, and said integrated circuit, wherein said power source being operatively connected to illuminate said at least one LED; and a switch in electrical communication with said integrated circuit and said power source for allowing said sensor button to manually or automatically advance through a predetermined light sequence, and turn off said at least one LED after a predetermined amount of time.
 15. The toy of claim 14, wherein said power source is selected from the group consisting of batteries, an adapter, a transformer, electric wires with a plug to an outlet, USB power, or an adapter with jack. 